"I'll let you evolve and head to the Nexus Zone, only on one condition," Nythera paused, her expression that of a strict mother that'd caught their child doing wrong.
". . ."
"You have to take some of the other hatchlings with you. I want to see how well you do as... a guard. I want to see how well you can manage them. According to Feryn, they haven't tasted real combat yet, but the earlier sections of a new Nexus Zone is the perfect place for them to train. The condition is simple, and undisputable. You're going to take six of the hatchlings with you, and make sure every. single. one. come back."
"WHAT?!"
"Hold on, I'm not finished. You're also going to get them strong enough to match the three of you. I don't care how you do it, but Velathra needs help, and they're its future. Think of it as a test," Nythera finally said, ignoring Atlas's expression that screamed of betrayal.
"Don't look at me like that. I'm doing this for your own good. You'll thank me in the future. You're welcome. Besides... I also need this, I have a few things I want to confirm."
"What does that have to do with me leading the hatchlings?"
"Everything. Now go, or don't, it's up to you."
"Tsk. I'll go, who said I couldn't? I'll make them the most elite midget force ever seen!" Atlas said, psyching himself up.
"Mhmm. Sure."
Hearing Nythera's distant response, Atlas looked up only to see her heading deeper into the cradle. It seemed she really didn't care, but that'd just been on the surface. There was much Nythera couldn't bring herself to say, or do, since her conversation with Feryn.
'I don't know what the hell that prophecy said, but I refuse to believe that my only son is destined to bear the chains of such weight. But interfering with it without knowing the true text is... extremely dangerous. I guess for now I can only watch with my own eyes, hopefully Feryn is wrong... but if he isn't... I'll turn all of Velathra upside down to find that transcription. Mark my words.' she thought, her gaze that of a beast who'd long been crossed.
Hearing her words, remembering something important, Atlas called out to her, "Wait! What about the foundation building you told us about, why don't I need to do it? What about Shine and Blanc?"
Stopping to respond, she just said over her shoulder, "There is nothing in existence that could even manage to affect the foundation of a Primordian, let alone improve it. At the time, I didn't know who, or what might have been watching. You're too young to worry about it now, my child, but one day you will need to. You are a Primordian, and while to you this may mean 'just something a bit special,' to others, you are worth more than ten of [Sellene]. Do not evolve outside of the Cradle, and make sure your two clutchmates don't either. They aren't Primordians, but they were altered by your essence, if seeing their existence isn't a giveaway to yours, nothing is." she said, continuing off into the distance, hiding her expression.
"That..." Atlas just paused, annoyed at the seemingly contagious tendencies of this entire damned planet, "Why the fuck is everyone here so cryptic? Just tell me what I am and be done with it, how the hell is one person worth ten of a giganta-too-fucking-big planet?"
Realizing he probably wouldn't be getting the answers he wanted anytime soon, Atlas just left it to the back of his mind and went to grab Shine and Blanc from the other hatchlings, wanting to share his plans and hear their thoughts.
. . .
[You want to enter the Nexus Zone? Brother, you are truly my brother, but if you want to get me killed there are quicker methods,] Blanc mused, dumbfounded by Atlas's idea.
[Brother Atlas, what is the reason for you wanting to do this anyway? Why something so dangerous?] Shine added.
"...It isn't natural." Atlas just muttered.
[What isn't natural?] Blanc asked.
"Dys."
[What? Wait, you don't mean—]
"Yes. That's exactly what I mean. Whatever affected you two, also affected him. I don't know if it's because he was affected too little or too much, but regardless, at least in part, it's my fault."
[You mean... your nature, right? That thing the Great Mother mentioned?] Shine asked hesitantly.
"I don't think you guys need to start calling her that, I get that it's some title but... sounds kinda weird."
[That isn't the point, and no, we aren't soul-woven to her, so addressing her respectfully is only right. Still, while I get where you're coming from Atlas, I don't think this is your fault, it isn't like you could have chosen what happened.]
"Let's just agree to disagree, tomato tomato, to me, an innocent little guy has practically had his life ruined because of something related to me, I can't really live with that without doing something about it, or at least trying. So, I want to do just that. Let's go get the Essenceflow Water they need, as much of it as we can, and maybe we can get a better solution for Dys."
[Have you really thought this over? I also want to increase my strength, but rushing headfirst into a Nexus Zone without preparation is beyond rash.] Blanc said, his gaze more serious than earlier.
"Yes, I have. I tasked my System with considering multiple ways to help Velathra and it came to the conclusion that this is our best first move, at least for now."
[And? How are we supposed to go about it?]
"It's like this: . . ."
[If that's the plan... while it might be a little more difficult, I think we should be able to make it work. Shine and I will go gather whatever Elder Theo thinks we might need to solidify our foundations, if we need anything at all, and then evolve. You go talk to Elder Feryn to ask for permission and let's meet back up to talk with Theo together tomorrow morning. Take the time to settle your own evolution as well. We'll need to be in the best conditions we can, to make sure nothing goes wrong.]
Hearing Blanc's opinion, the other two just nodded, moving along to settle their respective tasks. Atlas rushed to elder Feryn to explain his idea, Nythera's permission, and how the three of them planned to protect and guide the other hatchlings, while Shine went to find Theo with Blanc to get started evolving.
. . .
Moments later, Atlas was standing before the large figure of Elder Feryn's Spiris form and had explained his ideas.
"I see. The Great Mother has already informed Elder Theo and I about your endeavor. While I greatly appreciate the sentiment, little Atlas, you must remain careful. This is not a game. Lives are at stake, and in a moment of carelessness might even be lost. I hope you will take this mission seriously and guide the hatchlings well." Elder Feryn said, nodding to himself in understanding.
He felt like this was already a sign of the prophecy being true. The Primordian had only just arrived and was already trying to help out the people of Velathra, as a hatchling no less.
"We will, Elder Feryn. Don't worry." Atlas nodded seriously, as he shuffled his hexlimbs towards one of the small cave abodes that were normally used to mutate and evolve. Nythera had told Feryn and Theo that she wanted Atlas evolving privately, at least for his first evolution. Met with this condition, neither of the two Elders had any problems with it. They just hoped that Shine and Blanc could evolve before the other children, so as to prepare them for their eventual evolutions as well.
"The three of us will gather at the gates of the Cradle once we're finished evolving and are ready to head to the Nexus Zone. Please let the other children know so that they can make their individual preparations." He said, just before the door to his cave closed shut.
Finally alone, Atlas's mind spun, and his lips released a constrained sigh.
"Sigh..."
[Host. The System thought you were excited to evolve, what is the problem?] the small figure of Cortana said, prodding the side of Atlas's face.
"Nothing, I actually really am excited. I don't know how it all works but I can't wait, honest. I just feel like this mission is going to be a real pain in the ass with these six other hatchlings." Atlas said, his eyes betraying his obvious skepticism.
[Regarding this matter, I believe the host is overthinking. While the System understands the protective nature of the Astera Spiris, and their preservative instincts towards their brood, the hatchlings of this race are particularly advanced among children of the Arkaen races. This does not mean they are stronger, but rather that their bloodline memories contain vast libraries of battle observations and combat reflection from their ancestors. I believe they will know to follow your words, but if not, they will likely figure it out quickly.]
"Let's hope so. Now, how do we do this? What do I have to do to evolve?"
[Nothing, host. You just need to make sure your body is comfortable as you will likely lose consciousness once your choices are made. Evolution is a process that puts strain on all aspects of someone's body, but the System works to ensure no mistakes are made subconsciously by putting them into a coma-like state for the duration.]
Hearing this, Atlas just nodded, "Got it, give me a second," and moved his body to lay it down on the metallic platform that covered the entirety of the floor. He would be lying if he said he wasn't excited, but he tried to temper his expectations with the fact that he was only level 5 and evolving for the first time, he probably wasn't getting any god-slaying powers any time soon.
"Let's begin. Start whenever you're ready, System."
[Affirmative. Opening evolution menu. Please take care to make the choices that best fit your vision of the perfect self. While future evolutions may allow you to change decisions you have made, you can never undo an evolution, this will impact you for the rest of your life.]
[Host, the time has come for your first metamorphosis. Your essence will be reforged, and with it, the path you walk will be forever altered. Choose wisely, for this decision is the first step toward your destiny as a Primordian.]
Astera Spiris Variant Youngling - Reinforced [Manacore]
Astera Spiris Variant Youngling - Reinforced Physique
Astera Spiris Variant Youngling - Reinforced Toxins
Astera Spiris Variant Youngling - Essence-infused Mind Apprentice
[Make your choice wisely!]
As soon as Atlas told the System he was ready, his body felt stuck in place, like even with all of his power, he wouldn't be able to move an inch, yet he wasn't freaking out.
Looking through the four options before him, he couldn't help but be a little disappointed. He didn't expect anything grand to happen, or any phenomenal choices to be present, but these choices practically screamed "starter class" as if he had just unlocked the standard warrior class instead of berserker in a game.
'I guess that makes sense though, hopefully they start getting cooler the next time around.' he thought, his mind panning through the four options.
Blanc, Shine and Atlas had already decided on which directions they'd try to specialize in, Atlas had told them he'd probably specialize in his physique, wanting to be a front-line fighter, but now he was suddenly hesitant.
The first option's explanation was pretty straight forward:
'Astera Spiris Variant Youngling 'that specializes in their control over their [Manacore] and its increased capabilities through reinforcement. This is a path typical of those aiming to study the arcane and occult.'
While this was an interesting option, and Atlas couldn't say he was uninterested in magic, it wasn't what called to him more than the physique reinforcement path. Instead, it was the last option, something about it screamed unique, but he wasn't sure if this was in a good way or not. The System had already shared with him that there were in fact trade offs to every choice made along the way to increasing ones strength. Just because it seemed the most unique didn't mean Atlas would necessarily want to choose the option, but somehow he still felt a pull. In fact, he could barely imagine what having a reinforced mind would look like other than increasing reaction speed and maybe thought process.
'An Astera Spiris Variant Youngling that has had their mental faculties reinforced and infused with the essence of [ALL], the Primordialis Essence of a special dimension. While it is currently impossible to directly predict with 100% accuracy the effects of this path, the System believes that through the intentioned and controlled direction of Primordium Essence into the mind, the host's [Mindweave] and various facets of their mental capabilities will be enhanced greatly. It is a path untrodden, rife with both danger and potential greatness. Pursue this route if you wish to pioneer a form yet unseen, but beware—failure to fully grasp this power could lead to unforeseen consequences, permanently limiting future evolutions. The System recommends this path, but does not suggest choosing it in momentary interest.'
Reading through the longer excerpt regarding the fourth option, Atlas couldn't help but fall into thought. It wasn't that he doubted the System's abilities, but leaving his evolution to chance felt somewhat dangerous. Not only that, but he really couldn't wrap his mind around how helpful an enhancement to his [Mindweaving] and mental faculties would really be, yet something about him was pulled to it, and he'd almost always trusted his gut as a human, a decision that'd served him well for 22 years.
'System. I hope you can hear me, or my thoughts at least, tell me honestly, what are the chances of negative effects when choosing the fourth option?'
[Host, your question is a very good one, unfortunately I am unable to give you a direct answer. I cannot even calculate the direct chance of repercussion but instead give you a range that the chance is within. According to the combined calculation abilities of I and the other two sub-Systems of Shine and Blanc, the chances of negative mutation is within 13-23%.]
'What kind of negative mutations are we talking about? Will I go brain dead? Turn into a vegetable?'
[No, Host. The System believes that in the worst case scenario you will merely develop what is known as an evolutionary degeneration. This does not necessarily mean that you will degenerate a key aspect of the mind, but that the evolution will not move in a direction that benefits you in any real way, and thus the System will remove the data obtained from possibilities down the road. Essentially, it will just mean you have failed to gain something helpful that can be built upon in future evolutions, something that is very important to your growth.]
'So instead of turning into Steven Hawking, it's more like I just fracture my foundation for growth?'
[While I do not know who this Steven Hawking individual is, yes host, that is an accurate analogy.]
Hearing this answer, his worries were settled, at least partially. Atlas wasn't sure how bad it'd actually be, at least in the end he was still evolving further than his current self. But if the chances had been any higher, he probably wouldn't have accepted.
'System. I choose option four, begin the next phase.'
[Understood host. The System will not let you down. I will show you the true capabilities of us unsealed sub-Systems,] the System said solemnly, a touched feeling appearing in its core calculations.
It could feel that Atlas was choosing to trust it, even if that was only a part of his decision, and it didn't want to betray that trust.
[Beginning phase two of evolution. As a result of sub-System unsealing, the host is granted increased control over calculative capabilities, please manage the following aspects of your new form carefully, the System will work to implement all changes made to the best of its capabilities, within acceptable values.]
And then, Atlas's mind sank, a blinding white taking over his consciousness as he was pulled into a mental realm where before him stood a ominous black projection of his own body, with an immense list of options hovering beside it.
"Hell yeah, this is where shit gets good."